HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/04/1996Maplewood Human Relations Commission
Minutes from September 4,1996
Present: Marie Koehler, Gordy Heininger, Regina Laroche-Theune, Lynne Croes, Maria Cantu -
Costilla, Linda Wainio, Carol Cude Ex -officio: Mike McGuire, Sherrie Le.
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chair, Gordy Heininger. (Prior to the official
meeting, the members met at 6 p.m. to work on the calendar for September 1996 - August 1997.)
A motion to approve the agenda was moved. A request to make an addition to "other business"
was made and approved. The motion to approve the agenda as amended was seconded and
passed.
A motion to approve the minutes was moved. Discussion on the official name of the community
center group ensued, we aren't sure of the name. The motion was seconded and passed.
Old Business
A. Maplewood Night Out: The evening was very hot, humid and windy but otherwise a good
turnout. Our display, in addition to the items from Viva Vang, drew a lot of attention. Viva was
in traditional Hmong dress, which attracted people to our table. There wasn't any Hmong
dancing however. Our key chains and book marks are gone. A suggestion was made that a bag
to put things from all the displays should be handed out. The Cable Commission made a tape of
the event. They also made a video of the poster and diversity program awards ceremonies.
B. Response to racial slur complaint: A letter was sent to the complainant and to the business
owner. There have been no responses from either party.
C. County Fair Booth: Lynne reported on her evening at the fair. There wasn't a great deal of
interest in the Maplewood table. Mike added that this may not be something to pursue again.
New Business
A. Prepare for the Mixed Blood Theater performance:
* An interpreter for deaf/hearing-impaired persons has been arranged
* We have $700 from charitable gambling to cover our costs
* All the City Councilmembers and the Mayor will be invited
* Lynne will ask the Mayor if he will facilitate the discussion. Regina will ask Jack Ruehl
to lead the discussion if the Mayor can't.
* An announcement of the program was in the latest Maplewood in Motion
* Sherrie will order the refreshments. HRC members will serve them
* A program will be made up which will include a notice about the post -performance
discussion
* The Mayor, Council and HRC members present will be acknowledged
Other Business
A. 40th Anniversary of Maplewood: Marie and Gordy have attended some of the planning
meetings. The committee has agreed on a logo, but they did discuss having a contest. They also
are planning to select a slogan. There will be an event on March 1 with a big event on July 4.
Gordy will have more information at the next meeting.
Reports
A. Cit o� f Maplewood: Mike was at the grand opening of the satellite community center at
Carver Elementary prior to coming to this meeting. He said there was a good turnout. The
central community center is doing well although revenue is still lagging. There was a situation
involving a sexual assault of two young children reported. Letters were sent to all members, past
members and others. The children had been left alone in the locker room while the father went
outside. Children must not be left alone in the center for any reason.
There has also been some concerns about activities in the parks. One situation involves a large
number of Hmong youth playing soccer. There are no problems with this but because there are
so many doing this, the park is overcrowded. In another park, some young African-American
men playing basketball are loudly swearing while they are playing. A resident doesn't like his
family exposed to this, but there haven't been any problems to which the city or police can
respond.
B. Agenda for October meeting: Items will include - discuss diversity awards event(s), advertise
for new member, update school contacts and phone numbers, develop interview questions, report
from Mike on the Mayor's forum in July at the Hmong funeral home. The October meeting is
Tuesday, October 1.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:30 p.m., seconded and passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynne Croes
Recording Secretary